Peter Van Loan: tour guide extraordinaire

Dear editor,

Re: Family Visit to Ottawa

My wife and I have had a wonderful experience in visiting our nation's capital a few weeks ago.

We truly enjoyed the great museums in Ottawa. They demonstrate the richness in our heritage as Canadians, whether it is the diversity of our native people's, the sacrifices in the past century's wars and present conflicts in Afghanistan or the significant contributions Canadians have made in the fields of aviation, medicine or science. The city was clean and a few tulips were out. The tulips also stand as witnesses to our country's role in this world. Every year Holland sends thousands of bulbs to Ottawa in recognition for the sacrifice of our military personnel in that country's liberation at the end of WWII.

However, the highlight of this trip was to visit Parliament during Question Period, and the personal tour given by the Honourable Peter Van Loan, our local MP. We telephoned his office in Ottawa a few days before and his secretary arranged for passes to Question Period. She also met us at the reception area and guided us through the security checks.

We were so impressed with the kindness shown to us. Mr. Van Loan personally gave us a tour, spending a good hour out of his busy schedule. He took us into his office after Question Period for a warm and friendly discussion. Following this we toured the Lobby room adjacent to the House of Commons and the parliamentary library.

Next, Mr. Van Loan brought us to the Senate room. The Senators had just finished their "Question Period". Two senators came over to meet us. They then took my wife and I onto the floor of the Senate for some pictures. We have a picture of my wife sitting in the Speaker of the House's chair with the Deputy Leader of the Senate standing beside us.

What a great experience and what a great country. The whole time in the parliament that day was exceptional and a life experience.

Out of all this, we more fully appreciate that our system of government is truly for the people as we were treated with openness, friendliness and importance.

It is recommended to anyone visiting Ottawa to contact your local MP for tickets to Question Period. If you are as fortunate as we were you may also have some time with your MP.

In closing, we extend thanks again to Peter Van Loan and his secretary Darlene.

John and Darlene Irwin